Gum Valley Patchwork

And there's none left!

Today I discovered possibly to best lolly ever invented.

The guy who came up with this marriage of caramel popcorn and chocolate is nothing short of a bloody genius!

Linda    :)

Who's a lucky girl!

It was Material Girls Club day today which is always a day full of stitching, fun and laughter.....such a lovely group of ladies. But when Vicki arrived and presented me with a brown paper bag and announced it was a gift for me I was taken aback. For me? I opened up the bag and pulled out this beautiful hand crocheted rug in my very favourite shapes.....hexagons!

It is absolutely gorgeous! I used to be able to crochet and have wanted to relearn for a few years now. I have the books and even some wool and hooks but alas stitching has taken my time......at least for now.

I am not a huggy kissy type of person, but Vicki got a hug for this one!

So thank you so very much Vicki for my beautiful gift.

Linda    :)

 

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday dear Cathryn

Happy special Birthday to you!

Love Linda xx

 

'Bluebird Lane' Block of the Month

For some months now I have been following along as Natalie from The Birdhouse has been working on her new Block of the Month - 'Bluebird Lane'. I was excited when last week Natalie rang to say that the patterns were ready for shipping, and today I received my big box of beautiful patterns in the mail. This afternoon I was auditioning some fabrics for kitting up.

Unfortunately I don't have all of the fabrics that Natalie has used, but this afternoon I did manage to order some that are in the quilt. When they arrive I will start working on Block One......to show you all exactly what my version will look like.

It is the type of quilt that fabrics can easily be substituted.....which is great.

I will have the kits ready late October / early November (depending on the delivery of the additional fabric). The price for the BOM kit is $30 per month (commitment for the 10 months with no cancellations) or the pattern only is available for $55. You can place your order online here, or alternatively contact me direct.

Linda    :)

Stitch in Spring 2014

It has been a very hectic few months for me......finishing off my quilt 'Elenor Jean', selling the farm and moving after 30 years, and preparing everything for the 2014 Stitch in Spring. Due to popular demand, this year's SIS was held over 2 days..... Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September.....double the days..... and almost double the work. Set up day was on Friday and after a full day of work the Port Campbell Surf Club was transformed from a bare room into a room ready for 67 excited ladies for a day of stitching, laughing, fun and food.

A special handmade goody bag for everyone, (filled with some nice gifts)

along with a bag of kits designed especially for the ladies by our guest designers Gail Pan and Leanne Beasley.

Gail designed a handy folder and a cute applique cushion, both using her new fabric range called 'Baskets in Bloom'.

While Leanne designed this gorgeous bag.....check out those yummy handles!

The name tags were ready and waiting for the ladies as they arrived

Once the welcome speech was done, it didn't take long for the ladies to get into stitching  their chosen projects

and maybe just a little retail therapy.......which is always good for the soul!

The day seemed to disappear so quickly and it wasn't long before the ladies were packing up their things and heading off home. We quickly tidied up, reset the tables with bags, restocked the shop and headed home to prepare for day 2.

Sunday saw another 67 ladies arrive keen to spend the day with friends and our tutors.

Learning new, or refining already known skills.

It was a fantastic weekend and it seemed to be over so quickly.

I would like to thank:

* Everyone who attended and supported me in running such a successful event once again. Whether you travelled great distances or not, I appreciate your support.

* To the wonderful Leanne and Gail for being such great tutors and designing the lovely projects for the ladies.

* To Jodie and Emma for helping to set up the venue on Friday.

* To Lyndell, Cathryn, Emma and Amy for running the kitchen over the weekend for me (as well as packing up on Sunday afternoon).

* To Hannah for running the shop for me (despite having had sinus during the week)

* To Jill for staying back on Saturday afternoon and helping to 'reset' everything for Sunday.

* A very big thank you to Russell for helping me over the 3 days.....setting up, kitchen work, vaccuming and packing up.

I could not have done it without all of your help.....thank you.

So before I sign off I would like to let everyone know that next year's tutors are Helen Stubbings from Hugs'n'Kisses, and Gai Pan.....Gail has agreed to come back again...she must really love us! Registrations open on Monday 16th March 2015........but I will remind you all know closer to the date......that's if you want to come back.

Linda     :)

Shop hours

I have just popped in to let you all know that the shop will be closed on Friday 19th, Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st as I will be conducting my 4th Stitch in Spring in Port Campbell. The shop will reopen on Thursday 25th at 11am for normal trading.

I have been pretty busy getting organised for it but promise I will be back to blogging next week so stay tuned.

Cheers Linda

Welcome to the family......officially!

Since the first moment we met her, our family fell in love with Andy. Yesterday, just a few days short of 20 years later, she 'officially' became part of the Goode family. We have joked many times over the years about when our brother Peter would pop the question......we have waited through anniversaries, special birthdays and so many Christmases that we just gave up! The girls went from being flower girls to junior bridesmaids to bridemaids and even matron of honour.....lol! So earlier in the year when Peter & Andy announced their engagement it caught us all completely off guard. The date was set and yesterday that day arrived. Andy looked so beautiful as she walked down the aisle, escorted by her brother Carl.

I'm not sure that there was a dry eye in the room as they exchanged their vows......yes I was a blubbering mess!!!

We lined up for the family photos........I loved this one as Russell was pretending to run away with Andy on the sidelines!

And here is a more traditional one with our lovely girls.

The cake topper was just perfect.......complete with Harry the dog.

Another lovely shot with my sister Cathryn

and this great one of Russell and Hannah

We all had the most wonderful day with fantastic company and food, but most of all seeing the new Mr & Mrs Goode so happy together.

Peter's speech saw me get my hanky out again, as he spoke from the heart about his love and friendship for the woman whom he had married. He also made everyone laugh at his only stipulation for the wedding date was that it had to be outside the tuna season!

Welcome to our family Andy!

Linda   :)

PS. The cake was delicious!

 

Mr Lister

The transition from farming to 'retirement' has not just been something that Russell and I have had to adjust to. Lister has always loved visiting the shop but for the last week he has looked confused about being here all of the time. We are sure that he will get used to being here. 

He spends some of his time snoozing on the ramp

some of his time playing with Russell

and most of his time sleeping on his quilt

Visitors to the shop will more than likely be greeted by Lister. If you have never met Lister before, please don't be concerned about him as he is quite placid and harmless......unless you happen to be a rabbit, rat, mouse, possum or cat! Just ignore him and he won't bother you. 

Linda     :)

She keeps Moët et Chandon in her pretty cabinet

The day has finally arrived......settlement day for the sale of our farm. We offerred to milk this morning for the new owners and this afternoon I officially fed my last lot of calves. It has been quite an emotional week for us........leaving the farm that has been my home for almost 30 years, and Russell's home for over 51 years. So tonight we celebrated the end of one stage and the beginning of another with a glass of bubbly.

My next job is to turn off my alarm clock!

Linda    :)